Russian authorities reportedly planning to send 40 percent of criminal defendants to war after changes to legislation

The Russian authorities plan to use new legislation to send approximately 40 percent of criminal defendants to fight in the war in Ukraine, the independent outlet iStories reported on Tuesday.

In late September, Russian lawmakers approved a bill in all three readings that would allow defendants to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry while still on trial. While Vladimir Putin has not yet signed the legislation into law, two criminal defense lawyers told iStories that Russian remand prisons have begun preparing to send defendants to war, and a source from the Defense Ministry said military recruiters have been instructed to do the same.

According to the Defense Ministry source, these “preparations” consist of collecting information about the number of defendants who are fit for military service and would be willing to sign a contract. “Out of about 60,000 defendants, they’re expecting to take 40 percent,” he told the outlet. According to legal records, Russian courts heard criminal cases against 769,000 people in 2023.

A source close to the Russian military’s General Staff told iStories that the 40 percent target is a “bureaucratic promise” based on the military’s experiences recruiting prisoners and criminal suspects. He added that the plan suggests Russia’s current supply of convicts is running low.